Alsace Lutheran Church

26 Mar 2019

2019 April Messenger

Posted by Cynthia Speicher, With 0 Comments, Category: Announcements,

THE MESSENGER

ALSACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

E-mail: alsacelutheran@verizon.net

Web: www.alsacelutheranchurch.org

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/alsacelutheran

2201 Kutztown Road, Reading, PA 19605

Phone: 610-929-8727

Fax: 610-929-5397

Morning Worship: 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.

8:15 Service Broadcast live over 1340AM

Streamed on the Internet at www.iheart.com

Sunday School for all ages – 9:30 a.m.

“Church on the Hill, Standing on the Word”

April 2019

E -nvision His love deeply

A -ccept His love willingly

S -eek His love continually

T -rust His love implicitly

E -mbrace His love whole-heartedly

R -eturn His love generously

-Unknown

“Two men in dazzling clothes suddenly appeared and said to the women,

“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!”

(Luke 24:4-5)

The month of April turns our focus to Easter, the crown of all Christian holy-days! This year, Easter Sunday is April 21, one of the latest dates that Easter is celebrated. The date of Easter varies from year to year, based on a formula that goes way back to the beginning of the church.

In 325 A.D., Constantine, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, convened the Council of Nicea.

Among the business before the council was to establish a uniform date for Easter. Out of the discussion and debate came the “Easter Rule,” setting Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. As is often the case with church councils, the decision was not unanimous. The Eastern bishops wanted to schedule Easter in conjunction with the Jewish Festival of Passover since, after all, Jesus went to Jerusalem, in the first place, to celebrate Passover. The Western bishops preferred a date corresponding with the beginning of spring, because that was the time already established for a lot of pagan celebrations, and they figured to capitalize on the momentum. This is why, to this day, we have such things as the Easter Bunny and colored eggs associated with Easter. This disagreement, as well as other issues, led to an eventual split in the Christian Church. To this day, we, who are descendants of the Western line of Christiandom, use a different calendar than the Eastern Orthodox churches. Sometimes our celebration of Easter falls on the same day, and sometimes it varies by as much as five weeks!

In 2019, the spring equinox falls on March 20, and the full moon also is March 20. In following the formula, why isn’t Easter than on March 24? As it turns out, to make things a little simpler for the Christian Church, the spring equinox was determined to always be March 21. (In reality, the equinox can happen on March 19, 20, or 21.) Since the first full moon after March 21 doesn’t occur until April 19 this year, Easter will be celebrated on April 21. Incidentally, Orthodox Easter will be celebrated just a week later, on April 28, because Passover ends on April 27.

It doesn’t really matter when we observe Easter Sunday. Every Sunday in the Christian church is a

“little Easter” (yes, even during the Lenten season; that is why the Sundays are not counted in the 40 days of Lent). What really matters is that we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus and recall everything that great day brings us: life out of death; assurance of the forgiveness of sins; and an eternal life with our Risen Lord!

Let us always proclaim, with great joy and gusto: “The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Amen!

With Easter Joy,

Pastor Richard A. Nelson

Funeral

Russel Yoder

CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Richard A. Nelson, Pastor

Rev. Mark E. Brophy, Pastor Emeritus

Mr. David Rutt, Music Director

Mrs. Nina Rowley, Organist

Miss Cynthia Speicher, Secretary

Mr. William Reber, Jr., Sexton

CHURCH OFFICERS

Mrs. Sherri Mengel, Sunday School Superintendent

Mrs. Barbara Coller, Council Secretary

Ms. Carol Kunsman, Envelope Secretary

Mr. D. Richard Wieder, Treasurer

COUNCIL MEMBERS/TERM EXPIRES

John Funk End of 2020

Kimberly Grinage – President End of 2019

Peggy Harter End of 2020

Jeffrey Klinger End of 2019

Payton Mentzer End of 2020

Donald Moll End of 2021

Mary Pachuilo End of 2019

Evelyn Sheetz End of 2021

Gerald Speicher – Vice President End of 2021

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Every Sunday at 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.

(The liturgical color for each Sunday is listed in parenthesis)

March 31 (purple) – 4^th Sunday in Lent; Guest preacher – Don Kerns

April 3 (Wednesday) – Lenten Study, 1:30 & 7:00 p.m.

April 7 (purple) – 5^th Sunday in Lent

April 10 (Wednesday) – Lenten Study, 1:30 & 7:00 p.m.

April 14 (purple) – Palm Sunday; Sunday of the Passion

April 17 (purple) – Holy Wednesday, Sacrament of Holy Communion, 1:00 p.m. Only!

April 18 (purple) – Maundy Thursday, Sacrament of Holy Communion, 7:00 p.m.

April 19 (black) – Good Friday Community Service, 1:00 p.m. with Holy Communion1

Good Friday Tenebrae Service, 7:00 p.m.

April 21 (white/gold) – Easter Day, Sacrament of Holy Communion

April 28 (white) – The 2^nd Sunday of Easter

May 5 (white) – The 3^rd Sunday of Easter, Sacrament of Holy Communion

2:00 p.m. Abbreviated Worship with Holy Communion

May 12 (white) – 4^th Sunday of Easter, Mother’s Day

Sharing the Ministry of Alsace

Be sure to tell others about the ministry of Alsace:

It is a welcoming and friendly congregation. There is always inspiration and hope, not to mention good food! The people of Alsace have a sense of purpose and mission of serving others. Alsace centers its congregational life on the grace of God, which is for all people. Start spreading the news; that is, the “Good News” of God’s love and the ministry and mission of Alsace.

Church Camp 2019

August 4 – 9, 2019

Camp Swatara, Bethel, PA

Camp is for all children/youth age 6 through 18 years old

2019 Theme: “Soar – Navigating God’s Grace”

“Those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles.”

(Isaiah 40:31)

Registration Forms are available at the church!

Deadline to register is June 30

A $35 Deposit reserves your spot!

Cost is $175 per person, which includes lodging, food, crafts, & camp shirt

Church Camp, cont.

(Financial assistance is available – speak to Pastor Nelson)

No one should miss out on camp because of money!

21^st Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 13, 2019, 12 Noon Alsace Ball Field

For all children age 0 through 4^th grade

26 Feb 2019

2019 MARCH MESSENGER

Posted by Cynthia Speicher, With 0 Comments, Category: Announcements,

THE MESSENGER

ALSACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

E-mail: alsacelutheran@verizon.net

Web: www.alsacelutheranchurch.org

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/alsacelutheran

2201 Kutztown Road, Reading, PA 19605

Phone: 610-929-8727

Fax: 610-929-5397

Morning Worship: 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.

8:15 Service Broadcast live over 1340AM

Streamed on the Internet at www.iheart.com

Sunday School for all ages – 9:30 a.m.

“Church on the Hill, Standing on the Word”

March, 2019

MARCH

-Edna C. Lovelace

March likes to tease and make us think

That spring’s around the bend;

The winds are soft and gentle

Like a little lamb and then –

Before we know what’s happening

The winds are harsh and cold;

We know that winter’s still around –

We are not really fooled.

March is so unpredictable,

It can’t make up its mind –

But we need a little patience

And one day we will find

That there are little catkins

On the pussy willow trees;

Spring is just around the corner

And the wind is just a breeze.

“I have cared for you since you were born.

I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age.

I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.

(Isaiah 46:3-4)

This Bible passage from Isaiah 46 has tremendous meaning for me personally, now that I am advancing in age. On March 18, I will be celebrating my 60^th birthday! When I was in my teens and early twenties, I could never think of myself as being 60! Now that it is here, I wonder where have all those years gone!

Turning 60 years old gives me the opportunity to look back over my life. There have been many success and failures, joys and sorrows, challenges and disappointments. Through all my 60 years, however, I have felt the presence of God.

Here are just some of the major events of my 60 years:

Born on March 18, 1959 in Warwick, RI

Baptized in April of 1959 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Warwick, RI

Confirmed on October 21, 1973 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Warwick, RI

Graduated from Tollgate High School, Warwick, RI, in June of 1977

Graduated from Upsala College, East Orange, NJ on May 29, 1981

Completed my internship in pastoral ministry at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Kreidersville, PA, August 1983 to August 1984, where I met my future wife.

The death of my younger sister at the age of 18 on November 28, 1985 (Thanksgiving Day)

Graduated from the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, PA on May 12, 1985

Ordained a pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Warwick, RI on September 29, 1985

Began my pastoral ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church, Robesonia, PA on October 1, 1985

(Installed on October 27, 1985)

Engaged to Leanne Newhard on February 15, 1986

Married Leanne Newhard on November 14, 1987 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Kreidersville, PA

Birth of a daughter, Rachel, on May 16, 1990

Baptism of Rachel on July 8, 1990 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Robesonia, PA

Began my pastoral ministry at Hope Lutheran Church, Bowers, PA on September 1, 1990

(Installed on November 18, 1990)

Purchased my first home in Fleetwood, PA in October, 1990

Birth of a son, Aaron, on October 14, 1994

Baptism of Aaron on December 4, 1994 at Hope Lutheran Church, Bowers, PA

Began my pastoral ministry at Alsace Lutheran Church on September 1, 1995 (Installed on October 15, 1995)

Confirmation of Rachel on June 8, 2003 at Alsace

The death of my mother on June 3, 2004

Confirmation of Aaron on May 11, 2008

Continued on next page…

Called as Senior Pastor of Alsace on October 6, 2013 (Installed on April 6, 2014 – I was too sick to attend; it was the first installation of a pastor by phone!)

Father-in-Law died on January 26, 2016

I know there are many more events to come, God willing! I cling to the promise of Isaiah 46:3: “I will be your God throughout your lifetime…” God is good! I have been blessed!

In Thanksgiving,

Pastor Richard A. Nelson

Baptism

Rayson Curtis Hoffa

Parents: Jason and Danielle

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Every Sunday at 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.

(The liturgical color for each Sunday is listed in parenthesis)

March 3 (white) – Transfiguration of Our Lord; Sacrament of Holy Communion

March 6 (purple) – Ash Wednesday: 12 Noon and 7:00 p.m. Imposition of Ashes & Holy Communion

March 10 (purple) – 1^st Sunday in Lent (Daylight Savings Time begins)

March 13 (Wednesday) – Lenten Study, 1:30 & 7:00 p.m.

March 17 (purple) – 2^nd Sunday in Lent

March 20 (Wednesday) – Lenten Study, 1:30 & 7:00 p.m.

March 24 (purple) – 3^rd Sunday in Lent

March 27 (Wednesday) – Lenten Study, 1:30 & 7:00 p.m.

March 31 (purple) – 4^th Sunday in Lent; Guest preacher – Don Kerns

April 3 (Wednesday) – Lenten Study, 1:30 & 7:00 p.m.

April 7 (purple) – 5^th Sunday in Lent

April 10 (Wednesday) – Lenten Study, 1:30 & 7:00 p.m.

April 14 (purple) – Palm Sunday; Sunday of the Passion

April 17 (purple) – Holy Wednesday, Sacrament of Holy Communion, 1:00 p.m. Only!

April 18 (purple) – Maundy Thursday, Sacrament of Holy Communion, 7:00 p.m.

April 19 (black) – Good Friday Community Service, 1:00 p.m. with Holy Communion

Good Friday Tenebrae Service, 7:00 p.m.

CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Richard A. Nelson, Pastor

Rev. Mark E. Brophy, Pastor Emeritus

Mr. David Rutt, Music Director

Mrs. Nina Rowley, Organist

Miss Cynthia Speicher, Secretary

Mr. William Reber, Jr., Sexton

CHURCH OFFICERS

Mrs. Sherri Mengel, Sunday School Superintendent

Mrs. Barbara Coller, Council Secretary

Ms. Carol Kunsman, Envelope Secretary

Mr. D. Richard Wieder, Treasurer

Council Members/Term Expires

John Funk End of 2020

Kimberly Grinage – President End of 2019

Peggy Harter End of 2020

Jeffrey Klinger End of 2019

Payton Mentzer End of 2020

Donald Moll End of 2021

Mary Pachuilo End of 2019

Evelyn Sheetz End of 2021

Gerald Speicher – Vice President End of 2021

Note from Church Council:

An informational session on the electronic sign will be held on Sunday, March 24, at 9:30 a.m. in the Bertha Weber room. All are welcome to attend!

Sharing the Ministry of Alsace

Be sure to tell others about the ministry of Alsace:

It is a welcoming and friendly congregation. There is always inspiration and hope, not to mention good food! The people of Alsace have a sense of purpose and mission of serving others. Alsace centers its congregational life on the grace of God, which is for all people. Start spreading the news; that is, the “Good News” of God’s love and the ministry and mission of Alsace.

Hearing Devices

Wireless hearing devices are available to those who need or desire them for our worship services.

They may be obtained by seeing Lee Strause on a Sunday morning.

Hersheypark

The Youth Group is selling discount tickets for the 2019 season. The tickets are $32.95 for ages 3+ to be used from May 3 to September 29, 2019. We need a minimum of 20 tickets to get the discount. Hersheypark Meal Tickets are also available to purchase at a cost of $11.99 each. Deadline to order and pay for the tickets is Sunday, March 17. Checks should be made payable to Alsace Youth Group.

Hospital Admissions

Please inform the church office when a member is hospitalized or admitted to a health care facility, including room numbers. Due to the HIPPA laws, information about hospital and health

care facility admissions is limited and often restricted. Without your help, we cannot track and follow up with visits and prayers.

How to Become a Member of Alsace Lutheran Church

Speak to Pastor Nelson if you are interested in membership, or know someone who might be!

If you are already a member of a Lutheran Church –

Simply call the church office (610-929-8727), give the secretary the name of your previous church, and we will request a Letter of Transfer.

If you are a member of another Christian Church –

Simply contact the Pastor, and you will be invited to a New Member class, after which you will join Alsace by Affirmation of Faith.

In the Event of Bad Weather

In the event that Sunday morning worship or other events at the church would need to be cancelled due to severe weather, you can check WFMZ-TV. Check your local TV station, or you can see all the closings posted at wfmz.com. If you are ever in doubt, you can call Kim Grinage (610-376-1962) or Pastor Nelson (610-944-6131).

2019 Lenten Schedule

Mid-Week Lenten Studies will be offered at 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. on the Wednesdays in Lent. All will be held in the Bertha Weber Room. Dates are March 13, 20, 27 & April 3, 10.

Ash Wednesday: March 6, 12 Noon and 7:00 p.m. Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion

Holy Wednesday: April 17, one worship with Holy Communion at 1:00 p.m.

Maundy Thursday: April 18, worship with Holy Communion at 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday: April 19, Community Service at 1:00 p.m. with Holy Communion, and

Service of Tenebrae at 7:00 p.m.

Muhlenberg Churches Food Pantry

NEW: In addition to the items listed below, the Pantry is also looking for plastic grocery bags for the distribution. Bags can be put in the same box with the other items. Donations of the following items are most needed, as these items are not readily available from the Food Bank: toilet paper; paper towels; bath soap; laundry detergent; fabric softener; Kleenex; shampoo; toothpaste. Bring any donations to church and place them in the box marked “Muhlenberg Churches Food Pantry.”

Thank you for your continued support of the MCFP!

The MCFP is looking for some new volunteers who can help with the distribution, which is the third Thursday of every month. Help is especially needed from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. to help the clients bring their food to their cars. For more information or to volunteer, please speak to Pastor Nelson.

A Fundraiser for the Pantry will be held on Tuesday, March 12 at the Leesport Diner. 15% of your bill will be given to the Pantry. Good anytime from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. You need a ticket to participate. Tickets are available at the church.

Reading Fightin’ Phils

The Youth Group is selling tickets for the Faith & Family Night baseball game on Thursday, June 13 at 7:10 p.m. The cost is $7 per person for a seat in the green section of the grandstand. Deadline to sign up and pay for the tickets is Sunday, May 12. Checks should be made payable to Alsace Youth Group.

2019 Sacrament of Holy Communion Schedule

The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be offered on the following Sundays and Holidays (all times are 8:15 and 10:45, unless otherwise noted):

March 3; March 6 (Ash Wednesday) at 12 Noon & 7:00 p.m.; April 17 (Holy Wednesday) at 1:00 p.m. only!; April 18 (Maundy Thursday) at 7:00 p.m.; April 19 (Good Friday) at 1:00 p.m. only!; April 21 (Easter); May 5 (8:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 2:00 p.m.); June 9 (Day of Pentecost & Confirmation); August 4; September 1; October 6 (8:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.); November 3; December 1

Notes: There will be no Communion service in July; There will only be one Holy Communion

Sacrament of Holy Communion Schedule, cont.

Service on Holy Wednesday, April 17, at 1:00 p.m. (no service at 7:00 on Holy Wed.); 2:00 p.m. Communion Services will be held on May 5 and October 6 in the chapel.

Senior Club

Luncheon tickets for Tuesday, March 19, can be purchased from Pat Berger or Bob Boyer. Cost is $5 per person. The meeting begins at 11:30, lunch is served at Noon and Karl Hausman will begin at 1:00.

Please check your Brochures for the list of items to bring for the Alsace Social Ministry Pantry!

Payment ($60 per person) for the trip on Tuesday, May 28 to Green Grove Gardens, is due to Pat Coller no later than March 26.

Gift certificates can be purchased throughout the year from Irene Stoudt. You may call her at 610-929-8275.

Supper Club

Same rules as before: One check, no coupons and please do not fill out your check until you arrive at the restaurant. Thursday, April 3 – Knight & Day

(Lenten Service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2)

Wednesday, May 1 – Ganly’s Pub

Wednesday, June 5 – Country Fare, Myerstown

Wednesday, July 3 – Blind Hartman’s

Wednesday, July 31 – Mimmo’s

(Church Camp on Wednesday, August 7)

Wednesday, September 4 – Schmeck’s Villa

Wednesday, October 2 – Fiore’s

Wednesday, November 6 – Applebee’s, 5^th Street Highway

Wednesday, December 4 – Crossroads

Wednesday Bible Study

The Wednesday Bible Study continues with the study, “Getting to the Heart of God’s Story.”

Here is the upcoming schedule:

April 24 Session 25: Jesus, Son of God

Matthew 17-21; Mark 8-12, 14; Luke 9, 22; John 7-8, 11-12

Session 26: The Hour of Darkness

Matthew 26-27; Mark 14-15; Luke 22-23; John 13-14, 16-19

Wednesday Bible Study, cont.

May 1 Session 27: The Resurrection

Matthew 27-28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 19-21

May 8 Session 28: New Beginnings

Acts 1-10, 12

May 15 Session 29: Paul’s Mission

Acts 13-14, 16-20; Romans 1, 3-6, 8, 12,15

1 Corinthians 1, 3, 5-6, 10, 12-13,15-16

Galatians 1, 3, 5-6; 1 Thessalonians 1-5

May 22 Session 30: Paul’s Final Days

Acts 20-23, 27-28; Ephesians 1-6; 2 Timothy 1-4

May 29 Session 31: The End of Time

Revelation 1-5, 19-22

COMMUNITY

Reading High School

The following items are for the Reading High School and the Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (ECYEH). Their goal is to provide a resource room that will be available to students. This room will offer provisions to fulfill their basic needs such as food, hygiene products and school supplies. If you are able to donate any of the following items, please place them in the Chapel foyer. Thank you!

Hygiene Products: shampoo/conditioner; deodorant; toothbrush and toothpaste; liquid bath soap;

feminine hygiene products; hairbrushes; make-up

School Supplies: binders and folders; pens and pencils; spiral ring notebooks; backpacks

Baby Supplies: baby food; formula; diapers; wipes; baby clothes

Food: granola bars; Nutra grain bars; non-perishables; bottled water; ready to eat food; holiday meals

Miscellaneous: towels; clothing detergent; camping mats; pillows; Gift Cards for grocery stores, clothing stores and fast food; BARTA bus passes; barber shop; Goodwill gift cards for interview clothing; monetary donations made payable to RHS Knight Closet.

St. John’s Gernant’s Church, 13 Gernant’s Church Road, Leesport

“Homemade” Pot Pie Dinner (Family Style)

Memorial Hall

Saturday, March 2 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Donation: Adult – $10; Children 5 to 11 – $5

Pricing and Dinner dates subject to change

YOUTH PAGE

Birthdays

Abby Warren – 3/4 Austin Kerschner – 3/18

Benjamin Villareal – 3/7 Allie Painter – 3/18

Kalika Kauffman – 3/8 Madison Rentschler – 3/18

Trishia Reed – 3/8 Nathan Rentschler – 3/18

Jacob Stoudt – 3/8 Alexa Cipola – 3/19

Jordi Farr – 3/14 Gavin Torok – 3/27

Joseph Vaccaro – 3/14

Pastor Nelson – 3/18

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Remember to sign up for all events on the sheets posted on the bulletin board outside the church office, or by responding to the Facebook Page.

March 10 – Laser Quest

Sign up to participate! Let’s Defend our trophy!

Cost is $25 per person

Pizza will be served at Laser Quest!

April 7 – Lunch, Stuff Eggs and Pack Up “Blessing Bags”

After lunch, we will stuff the eggs for the Egg Hunt, and pack up the “Blessing Bags” for

the Opportunity House. The more help, the quicker it goes!

April 7 – $50 non-refundable deposit due for the trip to Ocean City, NJ. If you need a registration

form, please see Pastor Nelson or Cindy.

April 13 – Easter Egg Hunt

Report to the church by 10:30 a.m.

Lunch will be at “The Works”

Upcoming Dates & Events – Mark your calendars and plan to attend!

Saturday, May 11 – Trip and Hike at Bushkill Falls
Saturday, May 25 – Yard Sale
Saturday, June 1 – Breakfast at Shady Maple, Shopping for Quilt
Thurs.-Sun., June 20-23 – Shore Trip to Ocean City, NJ
Fri., Sat., Sun., July 12-15 – Peach Festival
Sun.-Fri., August 4-9 – Church Camp
Saturday, August 24 – Pool Party & Picnic at Woodcrest Retreat

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

March 1 – Raymond Weidenheimer

March 2 – Donna Deluca, Sandra Thomas, Cailin Wunsch

March 4 – Andrew Breisch

March 5 – Ardis Haines, Lesley Wegman

March 6 – Judith Moll

March 7 – Carter Kalbach

March 8 – Kalika Kauffman, Trishia Reed

March 10 – Daniel Redcay

March 11 – Nina Rowley

March 12 – Camdyn Gunter

March 13 – John Funk, Virginia Gerhart, Ethel Schaeffer

March 14 – Mary Brubaker, Carl Spayd

March 16 – Shirley Auchenbach, Landon Gauby, Anthony Pachuilo, Mary Swavely

March 17 – Anna Gaydos, Patricia Ritz

March 18 – Pastor Nelson

March 19 – Richard Batz, Aralyn Hoffa

March 20 – Ryan Breisch, Geraldine Hafer

March 22 – Patricia Berger, Emma Cervola

March 23 – Shirley Kaupp

March 25 – Colin Mengel

March 26 – Lilly Jankowski

March 27 – Elizabeth Hartman, William Reber, Jr.

March 28 – David Hartline

March 30 – Irene Stoudt

MARCH ACTIVITIES

Sunday, March 3 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Holy Communion

9:00 a.m. – Junior Choir

9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and Confirmation

6:00 p.m. – Youth Choir

Tuesday, March 5 9:00 a.m. – Senior Club Board Meeting

10:00 a.m. – Men’s Choir

10:30 a.m. – Senior Choir

7:00 p.m. – Alsace Ringers

8:15 p.m. – Reunion Choir

MARCH ACTIVITIES, cont.

Wednesday, March 6 Noon & 7:00 p.m. – Ash Wednesday Communion

Sunday, March 10 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Worship

9:00 a.m. – Junior Choir

9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and Confirmation

12:00 p.m. – Youth Group to Laser Tag

6:00 p.m. – Youth Choir

Tuesday, March 12 10:00 a.m. – Men’s Choir

10:30 a.m. – Senior Choir

7:00 p.m. – Church Council Meeting

7:00 p.m. – Alsace Ringers

8:15 p.m. – Reunion Choir

Wednesday, March 13 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. – Lenten Services

Friday, March 15 Messenger Article Deadline

Sunday, March 17 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Worship

9:00 a.m. – Junior Choir

9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and Confirmation

6:00 p.m. – Youth Choir

Tuesday, March 19 11:30 a.m. – Senior Club Luncheon

7:00 p.m. – Alsace Ringers

8:15 p.m. – Reunion Choir

Wednesday, March 20 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. – Lenten Services

4:40 p.m. – Soup Kitchen

Sunday, March 24 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Worship

9:00 a.m. – Junior Choir

9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and Confirmation

2:00 p.m. – Congregational Painting Party

6:00 p.m. – Youth Choir

Tuesday, March 26 8:00 a.m. – Messenger Mailers

10:00 a.m. – Men’s Choir

10:30 a.m. – Senior Choir

7:00 p.m. – Alsace Ringers

8:15 p.m. – Reunion Choir

MARCH ACTIVITIES, cont.

Wednesday, March 27 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. – Lenten Services

Friday, March 29 Youth Group to Breakaway Event in Ocean City, MD

Sunday, March 31 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Worship

9:00 a.m. – Junior Choir

9:30 a.m. – Sunday School

6:00 p.m. – Youth Choir

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

THE CHRISTIAN HOME

-Velma Redelfs

The Christian home is a haven

And founded upon the Rock

Held firm by the Heavenly Father,

Protected from every shock.

With Christ the Head of the household,

All things take their proper place,

His sweetness and gentleness filter

The trials and cares to erase.

No problem too great for His wisdom,

No trouble too small for His care,

Whatever the danger may threaten,

The Saviour will always be there.

God’s Word bring the light of His presence,

In blessing and strength to His own.

No good will He hold from His loved ones

Who are building a Christian home.

29 Jan 2019

FEBRUARY 2019 MESSENGER

Posted by Cynthia Speicher, With 0 Comments, Category: Announcements,

THE MESSENGER
ALSACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
E-mail: alsacelutheran@verizon.net
Web: www.alsacelutheranchurch.org
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/alsacelutheran
2201 Kutztown Road, Reading, PA 19605
Phone: 610-929-8727
Fax: 610-929-5397
Morning Worship: 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
8:15 Service Broadcast live over 1340AM
Streamed on the Internet at www.iheart.com
Sunday School for all ages – 9:30 a.m.

“Church on the Hill, Standing on the Word”
February, 2019

TEN THINGS GOD WANTS YOU TO REMEMBER
-Unknown

1. I will give you rest.
2. I will strengthen you.
3. I will answer you.
4. I believe in you.
5. I will bless you.
6. I am for you.
7. I will not fail you.
8. I will provide for you.
9. I will be with you.
10. I love you.

CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Richard A. Nelson, Pastor
Rev. Mark E. Brophy, Pastor Emeritus
Mr. David Rutt, Music Director
Mrs. Nina Rowley, Organist
Miss Cynthia Speicher, Secretary
Mr. William Reber, Jr., Sexton

CHURCH OFFICERS
Mrs. Sherri Mengel, Sunday School Superintendent
Mrs. Barbara Coller, Council Secretary
Ms. Carol Kunsman, Envelope Secretary
Mr. D. Richard Wieder, Treasurer

Council Members/Term Expires
John Funk End of 2020
Kimberly Grinage – President End of 2019
Peggy Harter End of 2020
Jeffrey Klinger End of 2019
Payton Mentzer End of 2020
Donald Moll End of 2021
Mary Pachuilo End of 2019
Evelyn Sheetz End of 2021
Gerald Speicher – Vice President End of 2021

“Because of His glory and excellence, God has given us great and precious promises.”
2 Peter 1:4

A promise is a statement by a person that he or she will or will not do something; a cause or ground for hope. The Bible is full of promises God had made! According to one source, there are 3,573 promises recorded in the Bible! We can trust God completely because He always keeps His promises. He will never make a promise that He won’t keep!
There are promises in the Bible for every situation that you may go through in life: when you are sad; worried; when you doubt; when you feel alone; and even when you feel like sinning. Here are just a few of God’s promises:

• God loves us unconditionally
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

• God promises us peace
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

God promises protection
“The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life.” Psalm 121:7

• God promises comfort
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

God promises to guide us
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8

“’I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’” Jeremiah 29:11-13

• God promises us eternal life
“Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.” John 6:47

“Jesus said, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live,
even though they die.’” John 11:25

The ultimate, final and best promise of God in the entire Bible began in the Old Testament
when God promised to send a Savior. God fulfilled that promise in the New Testament when

God sent His only Son to save the world! “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Live in God’s Precious Promises!
Pastor Richard A. Nelson

Funerals
Violet Moyer
Edith Hafer

*******************************************************************************

WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Every Sunday at 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
(The liturgical color for each Sunday is listed in parenthesis)

February 3 (green) – 4th Sunday after Epiphany; Guest Preacher – Pastor Gerry Arndt
February 10 (green) – 5th Sunday after Epiphany
February 17 (green) – 6th Sunday after Epiphany
February 24 (green) – 7th Sunday after Epiphany
March 3 (white) – Transfiguration of Our Lord; Sacrament of Holy Communion
March 6 (purple) – Ash Wednesday: 12 Noon and 7:00 p.m.
Imposition of Ashes & Holy Communion

Sharing the Ministry of Alsace
Be sure to tell others about the ministry of Alsace:
It is a welcoming and friendly congregation. There is always inspiration and hope, not to mention good food! The people of Alsace have a sense of purpose and mission of serving others. Alsace centers its congregational life on the grace of God, which is for all people. Start spreading the news; that is, the “Good News” of God’s love and the ministry and mission of Alsace.

Disaster Relief Funds Update
Church Council, at its January meeting, decided to match the contributions through Benevolence funds, making a grand total of $2,090. The funds were given to Samaritan’s Purse, a nondenominational, evangelical Christian organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Our contribution was designated for United States relief.

Hearing Devices
Wireless hearing devices are available to those who need or desire them for our worship services.
They may be obtained by seeing Lee Strause on a Sunday morning.

Hersheypark
The Youth Group is selling discount tickets for the 2019 season. The tickets are $32.95 for ages 3+ to be used from May 3 to September 29, 2019. We need a minimum of 20 tickets to get the discount. Hersheypark Meal Tickets are also available to purchase at a cost of $11.99 each. Deadline to order and pay for the tickets is Sunday, March 17. Checks should be made payable to Alsace Youth Group.

Hospital Admissions
Please inform the church office when a member is hospitalized or admitted to a health care facility, including room numbers. Due to the HIPPA laws, information about hospital and health
care facility admissions is limited and often restricted. Without your help, we cannot track and follow up with visits and prayers.

How to Become a Member of Alsace Lutheran Church
Speak to Pastor Nelson if you are interested in membership, or know someone who might be!

If you are already a member of a Lutheran Church –
Simply call the church office (610-929-8727), give the secretary the name of your previous church, and we will request a Letter of Transfer.

If you are a member of another Christian Church –
Simply contact the Pastor, and you will be invited to a New Member class, after which you will join Alsace by Affirmation of Faith.

In the Event of Bad Weather
In the event that Sunday morning worship or other events at the church would need to be cancelled due to severe weather, you can check WFMZ-TV. Check your local TV station, or you can see all the closings posted at wfmz.com. If you are ever in doubt, you can call Kim Grinage (610-376-1962) or Pastor Nelson (610-944-6131).

Muhlenberg Churches Food Pantry
NEW: In addition to the items listed below, the Pantry is also looking for plastic grocery bags for the distribution. Bags can be put in the same box with the other items. Donations of the following items are most needed, as these items are not readily available from the Food Bank: toilet paper; paper towels; bath soap; laundry detergent; fabric softener; Kleenex; shampoo; toothpaste. Bring any donations to church and place them in the box marked “Muhlenberg Churches Food Pantry.”

MCFP, cont.
Thank you for your continued support of the MCFP!

The MCFP is looking for some new volunteers who can help with the distribution, which is the third Thursday of every month. Help is especially needed from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. to help the clients bring their food to their cars. For more information or to volunteer, please speak to Pastor Nelson.

Reading Fightin’ Phils
The Youth is selling tickets for the Faith & Family Night baseball game on Thursday, June 13 at 7:10 p.m. The cost is $7 per person for a seat in the green section of the grandstand. Deadline to sign up and pay for the tickets is Sunday, May 12. Checks should be made payable to Alsace Youth Group.

2019 Sacrament of Holy Communion Schedule
The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be offered on the following Sundays and Holidays (all times are 8:15 and 10:45, unless otherwise noted):
March 3; March 6 (Ash Wednesday) at 12 Noon & 7:00 p.m.; April 17 (Holy Wednesday) at 1:00 p.m. only!; April 18 (Maundy Thursday) at 7:00 p.m.; April 19 (Good Friday) at 1:00 p.m. only!; April 21 (Easter); May 5 (8:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 2:00 p.m.); June 9 (Day of Pentecost & Confirmation); August 4; September 1; October 6 (8:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.); November 3; December 1
Notes: There will be no Communion service in February or July; There will only be one Holy Communion Service on Holy Wednesday, April 17, at 1:00 p.m. (no service at 7:00 on Holy Wed.); 2:00 p.m. Communion Services will be held on May 5 and October 6 in the chapel.

Senior Club
Payment ($85 per person) for the trip on Tuesday, April 9 to Dutch Apple, is due to Pat Coller no later than February 10.

Luncheon tickets for Tuesday, February 19, can be purchased from Pat Berger or Bob Boyer. Cost is $5 per person. The meeting begins at 11:30, lunch is served at Noon and Mary (with a surprise) will begin at 1:00.
Please check your Brochures for the list of items to bring for the Alsace Social Ministry Pantry!

Gift certificates can be purchased throughout the year from Irene Stoudt. You may call her at 610-929-8275.

Supper Club
Check out the upcoming March Messenger for the list of restaurants for 2019!

Wednesday Bible Study
The Wednesday Bible Study continues with the study, “Getting to the Heart of God’s Story.”
Here is the schedule for February:
February 6 Session 23: Jesus’ Ministry Begins
Matthew 3-4, 11; Mark 1-3; Luke 8; John 1-4

February 13 Session 24: No Ordinary Man
Matthew 5-7, 9, 14; Mark 4-6; Luke 10, 15; John 6

February 20 Session 25: Jesus, Son of God
Matthew 17-21; Mark 8-12, 14; Luke 9, 22; John 7-8, 11-12

February 27 Session 26: The Hour of Darkness
Matthew 26-27; Mark 14-15; Luke 22-23; John 13-14, 16-19

COMMUNITY
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Stoudts Ferry Bridge & Tuckerton Road
You are invited to an evening with Jeffrey Krick, Jr., the award-winning Elvis tribute artist
to benefit children of pediatric cancer. The event will take place on Saturday, February 9, 2019,
from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Cost is $10 per person prior to the show/$12 per person at the door.
Presented by Good Shepherd Youth Ministry

Reading High School
The following items are for the Reading High School and the Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (ECYEH). Their goal is to provide a resource room that will be available to students. This room will offer provisions to fulfill their basic needs such as food, hygiene products and school supplies. If you are able to donate any of the following items, please place them in the Chapel foyer. Thank you!

Hygiene Products: shampoo/conditioner; deodorant; toothbrush and toothpaste; liquid bath soap;
feminine hygiene products; hairbrushes; make-up
School Supplies: binders and folders; pens and pencils; spiral ring notebooks; backpacks
Baby Supplies: baby food; formula; diapers; wipes; baby clothes
Food: granola bars; Nutra grain bars; non-perishables; bottled water; ready to eat food; holiday meals
Miscellaneous: towels; clothing detergent; camping mats; pillows; Gift Cards for grocery stores, clothing stores and fast food; BARTA bus passes; barber shop; Goodwill gift cards for interview clothing; monetary donations made payable to RHS Knight Closet.

YOUTH PAGE
Birthdays
Hunter Smith – 2/9
Bryanna Rivera – 2/14
Lainey Ortiz – 2/20
Anna Elia – 2/21
Jaxon Geddio – 2/21
Charley Stricker – 2/21
Jadon Ortiz – 2/23
Hailey Schlieve – 2/24
Colby Painter – 2/26

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Remember to sign up for all events on the sheets posted on the bulletin board outside the church office, or by responding to the Facebook Page.

Friday, February 1 – Sunday, February 3 – Winter Retreat at Camp Swatara
Theme: “Precious Promises”

Sunday, February 24 – Painting Project & Reading Royals Game
Meet after church for lunch; we will be making some signs to post outside for the Yard Sale,
Peach Festival and Vendor Fair.
The Reading Royals Game begins at 4:00 p.m.

Upcoming Dates & Events – Mark your calendars and plan to attend!
• Sunday, March 10 – Laser Quest
• Sunday, March 24 – Painting Party: $15 (40 max., first-come, first served)
• Fri.-Sun., March 29-31 – Breakaway Event in Ocean City, MD
• Sunday, April 7 – Stuff Eggs and Pack Up “Blessing Bags”
• Saturday, April 13 – Easter Egg Hunt; Lunch at The Works
• Saturday, May 11 – Trip and Hike at Bushkill Falls
• Saturday, May 25 – Yard Sale
• Saturday, June 1 – Breakfast at Shady Maple, Shopping for Quilt
• Thurs.-Sun., June 20-23 – Shore Trip to Ocean City, NJ
• Fri., Sat., Sun., July 12-15 – Peach Festival
• Sun.-Fri., August 4-9 – Church Camp
• Saturday, August 24 – Pool Party & Picnic at Woodcrest Retreat

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
February 1 – James Gruber, Mark Joy, Horst Tryon

February 3 – James Greth, Parker Strauss
February 5 – Kaylie Gunter, George Hasker, Samuel Livingood
February 9 – Isabella Long

February 10 – Deborah Bare, Fern Jarsocrak, Ava Ortiz
February 12 – Louis Ryder, Beverly Smith
February 13 – Louise Mirenna, Morgan Waits
February 14 – Derrick Redcay, Dennis Teitsworth
February 15 – Lloyd Bauer, Jr.
February 16 – Suzanne Ryder

February 18 – Mabel Eschelman
February 21 – Jaxon Geddio, Doris Reifinger
February 22 – Colby Woodward
February 23 – Fern Hartman, Jaden Ortiz, Daniel Sharp, Barbara Strause, Hugh Tait

February 24 – Gladys Funk
February 25 – Marie Kisling
February 26 – Timothy Hartman
February 27 – Jack Clark
February 29 – Catherine Shade

FEBRUARY ACTIVITIES
Friday, February 1 5:00 p.m. – Youth to the Winter Retreat

Sunday, February 3 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Worship
9:00 a.m. – Junior Choir
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and Confirmation

Tuesday, February 5 9:00 a.m. – Senior Club Board Meeting
10:00 a.m. – Men’s Choir
10:30 a.m. – Senior Choir
7:00 p.m. – Alsace Ringers
8:15 p.m. – Reunion Choir

Wednesday, February 6 1:30 p.m. – Bible Study

Sunday, February 10 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Worship
9:00 a.m. – Junior Choir
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and Confirmation
6:00 p.m. – Youth Choir

Tuesday, February 12 10:00 a.m. – Men’s Choir
10:30 a.m. – Senior Choir
7:00 p.m. – Alsace Ringers
8:15 p.m. – Reunion Choir

Wednesday, February 13 1:30 p.m. – Bible Study
7:00 p.m. – Church Council

Friday, February 15 Messenger Article Deadline

Sunday, February 17 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Worship
9:00 a.m. – Junior Choir
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and Confirmation
6:00 p.m. – Youth Choir

Tuesday, February 19 11:30 a.m. – Senior Club Luncheon
7:00 p.m. – Alsace Ringers
8:15 p.m. – Reunion Choir

Wednesday, February 20 1:30 p.m. – Bible Study
4:40 p.m. – Soup Kitchen

Sunday, February 24 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. – Worship
9:00 a.m. – Junior Choir
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and Confirmation
12:00 p.m. – Youth Meeting
4:00 p.m. – Reading Royals
6:00 p.m. – Youth Choir

Tuesday, February 26 8:00 a.m. – Messenger Mailers
10:00 a.m. – Men’s Choir
10:30 a.m. – Senior Choir
7:00 p.m. – Alsace Ringers
8:15 p.m. – Reunion Choir

Wednesday, February 27 1:30 p.m. – Bible Study

27 Nov 2018

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 MESSENGER

Posted by Cynthia Speicher, With 0 Comments, Category: Announcements,

THE MESSENGER
ALSACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
E-mail: alsacelutheran@verizon.net
Web: www.alsacelutheranchurch.org
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/alsacelutheran
2201 Kutztown Road, Reading, PA 19605
Phone: 610-929-8727
Fax: 610-929-5397
Morning Worship: 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
8:15 Service Broadcast live over 1340AM
Streamed on the Internet at www.iheart.com
Sunday School for all ages – 9:30 a.m.

“Church on the Hill, Standing on the Word”
December, 2018/January, 2019

It comes every year and
will go on forever. And
along with Christmas
belong the keepsakes
and the customs. Those
humble, everyday things
a mother clings to, and
ponders, like Mary in
the secret spaces of her
heart. – Marjorie Homes

CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Richard A. Nelson, Pastor
Rev. Mark E. Brophy, Pastor Emeritus
Mr. David Rutt, Music Director
Mrs. Nina Rowley, Organist
Miss Cynthia Speicher, Secretary
Mr. William Reber, Jr., Sexton

CHURCH OFFICERS
Mrs. Sherri Mengel, Sunday School Superintendent
Mrs. Barbara Coller, Council Secretary
Ms. Carol Kunsman, Envelope Secretary
Mr. D. Richard Wieder, Treasurer

Council Members/Term Expires
Shelly Deeds End of 2020
John Funk End of 2020
Kimberly Grinage – President End of 2019
Peggy Harter End of 2020
Jeffrey Klinger – Vice President End of 2019
Payton Mentzer End of 2020
Donald Moll End of 2018
Mary Pachuilo End of 2019
Evelyn Sheetz End of 2018
Gerald Speicher End of 2018

Silent Night, Holy Night, All is Calm, All is Bright
Jesus Lord at Thy Birth

In 1818, a touring group of actors was performing in towns throughout the Austrian Alps. On December 23 they arrived at Oberndorf, a village near Salzburg, where they were to re-enact the story of Christ’s birth in St. Nicholas Church. Unfortunately, the church organ was not working and would not be repaired before Christmas. Some say that mice were the reason the organ was not working; others say that moisture had seeped into the organ chamber and rusted the pipes. Because the church organ was out of commission, the actors presented their Christmas drama in a private home.
After witnessing that Christmas presentation of the birth of Jesus, pastor Josef Mohr decided to take a different and longer way home to have some time to reflect and meditate on the beautiful Christmas story. That longer path took him up over a hill overlooking the village. From that hilltop, Mohr looked down on the peaceful snow-covered village. As he gazed down at the glowing Christmas-card scene, he was reminded of a poem he had written a couple of years ago. That poem was about the night when angels announced the birth of the long-awaited Messiah to shepherds on a hillside.
Josef Mohr decided those words might make a good carol for his congregation the following evening at their Christmas eve service. The one problem was that he did not have any music to which that poem could be sung. So, the next day Mohr went to see the church organist, Franz Gruber. With his guitar, Gruber had managed to compose a musical setting for the poem in only a few hours. The pastor and organist now had a Christmas carol that could be sung without the organ. On Christmas Eve, the little Oberndorf congregation heard Gruber and Mohr sing their new composition to the accompaniment of Gruber’s guitar. And, “Silent Night, Holy Night” was born!
Weeks later, well-known organ builder Karl Mauracher arrived in Oberndorf to fix the organ in St. Nicholas church. When Mauracher finished, he stepped back to let Gruber test the instrument. When Gruber sat down, his fingers began playing the simple melody he had written for Mohr’s Christmas poem. Deeply impressed, Mauracher took copies of the music and words of “Silent Night” back to his own Alpine village of Kapfing. There, two well-known families of singers – the Rainers and the Strassers – heard it. Captivated by “Silent Night,” both groups put the new song into their Christmas season repertoire.
The Strasser sisters spread the carol across northern Europe. In 1834, they performed “Silent Night” for King Frederick William IV of Prussia, and he then ordered his cathedral choir to sing it every Christmas Eve.
Twenty years after “Silent Night” was written, the Rainers brought the song to the United States, singing it (in German) at the Alexander Hamilton Monument located outside New York City’s Trinity Church.
In 1863, nearly fifty years after being first sung in German, “Silent Night” was translated into English. Eight years later, that English version made its way into print in Charles Hutchins’ Sunday School Hymnal. Today the words of “Silent Night” are sung in more than 300 different languages around the world.

Continued on next page…

This year we celebrate 200 years of the most popular, well-known, and favorite Christmas carol of all time – “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Join us as we reflect on the simple yet profound message of this beloved Christmas carol.

Wishing You a very Merry Christmas, and a Blessed New Year!
Pastor Richard A. Nelson

PLEASE NOTE: Pastor Nelson will be away from December 26 through January 2. Please call the church office with any pastoral needs. Pastor David Reinwald of Kissinger’s Church will be providing pastoral care while Pastor Nelson is away.

Funerals
William Maslo
Carl Eschelman

*******************************************************************************

WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Every Sunday at 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
(The liturgical color for each Sunday is listed in parenthesis)

December 2 (blue) – 1st Sunday of Advent; Sacrament of Holy Communion
December 9 (blue) – 2nd Sunday of Advent
December 16 (blue) – 3rd Sunday of Advent
Sunday School Christmas Program (snow date 12/23)
December 23 (blue) – 4th Sunday of Advent
December 24 (white) – Christmas Eve Worship
5:00 p.m. Worship for Children of All Ages
11:00 p.m. Traditional Candlelight Worship
December 30 (white) – 1st Sunday of Christmas;
Ryan Breisch is Preaching & Leading Worship
January 6 (white) – The Epiphany of Our Lord; Sacrament of Holy Communion
January 13 (white) – The Baptism of Our Lord
January 20 (green) – 2nd Sunday after Epiphany
January 27 (green) – 3rd Sunday after Epiphany; Souper Bowl Sunday
February 3 (green) – 4th Sunday after Epiphany

Sharing the Ministry of Alsace
Be sure to tell others about the ministry of Alsace:
It is a welcoming and friendly congregation. There is always inspiration and hope, not to mention good food! The people of Alsace have a sense of purpose and mission of serving others. Alsace centers its congregational life on the grace of God, which is for all people. Start spreading the news; that is, the “Good News” of God’s love and the ministry and mission of Alsace.

2018 Advent Theme
The 2018 Advent Theme is “Celebrating 200 Years of ‘Silent Night, Holy Night.’” The theme hymn will be “Silent Night, Holy Night,” which will be sung each Sunday as a candle is lit on the Advent wreathe.
December 2 – “Sleep in Heavenly Peace”
December 9 – “Quake at the Sight”
December 16 – “Lend Your Light”
December 23 – “The Dawn of Redeeming Grace”

Christmas Eve Worship
5:00 p.m. – Children and Family Worship
A special gift and blessing for all children present
“Candle-lighting” with glow sticks

11:00 p.m. – Traditional Candlelight Worship
Special Prelude Music begins around 10:30
This Service will be broadcast live on radio 92.3 FM and 1340 AM
And at iheart.com

Hearing Devices
Wireless hearing devices are available to those who need or desire them for our worship services. They may be obtained by seeing Lee Strause on a Sunday morning.

Hospital Admissions
Please inform the church office when a member is hospitalized or admitted to a health care facility, including room numbers. Due to the HIPPA laws, information about hospital and health
care facility admissions is limited and often restricted. Without your help, we cannot track and follow up with visits and prayers.

How to Become a Member of Alsace Lutheran Church
Speak to Pastor Nelson if you are interested in membership, or know someone who might be!

If you are already a member of a Lutheran Church –
Simply call the church office (610-929-8727), give the secretary the name of your previous church, and we will request a Letter of Transfer.

If you are a member of another Christian Church –
Simply contact the Pastor, and you will be invited to a New Member class, after which you will join Alsace by Affirmation of Faith.

In the Event of Bad Weather
In the event that Sunday morning worship or other events at the church would need to be cancelled due to severe weather, you can check WFMZ-TV. Check your local TV station, or you can see all the closings posted at wfmz.com. If you are ever in doubt, you can call Kim Grinage (610-376-1962) or Pastor Nelson (610-944-6131).

Muhlenberg Churches Food Pantry
NEW: In addition to the items listed below, the Pantry is also looking for plastic grocery bags for the distribution. Bags can be put in the same box with the other items. Donations of the following items are most needed, as these items are not readily available from the Food Bank: toilet paper; paper towels; bath soap; laundry detergent; fabric softener; Kleenex; shampoo; toothpaste. Bring any donations to church and place them in the box marked “Muhlenberg Churches Food Pantry.” Thank you for your continued support of the MCFP!

The MCFP is looking for some new volunteers who can help with the distribution, which is the third Thursday of every month. Help is especially needed from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. to help the clients bring their food to their cars. For more information or to volunteer, please speak to Pastor Nelson.

ALSO, Alsace Church is the host church for the January distribution on Thursday, January 17, 2019. If you are able to lift boxes and sort food, please arrive by 2:15 p.m. To help only with the distribution, please arrive by 2:45 p.m. The Pantry is located at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Stoudts Ferry Bridge & Tuckerton Roads.

2019 Sacrament of Holy Communion Schedule
The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be offered on the following Sundays and Holidays (all times are 8:15 and 10:45, unless otherwise noted):
January 6; March 3; March 6 (Ash Wednesday) at 12 Noon & 7:00 p.m.; April 17 (Holy Wednesday) at 1:00 p.m. only!; April 18 (Maundy Thursday) at 7:00 p.m.; April 19 (Good Friday) at 1:00 p.m. only!; April 21 (Easter); May 5 (8:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 2:00 p.m.); June 9 (Day of Pentecost & Confirmation); August 4; September 1; October 6 (8:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.); November 3; December 1

Communion Schedule, cont.
Notes: There will be no Communion service in February or July; There will only be one Holy Communion Service on Holy Wednesday, April 17, at 1:00 p.m. (no service at 7:00 on Holy Wed.); 2:00 p.m. Communion Services will be held on May 5 and October 6 in the chapel.

Senior Club
2019 Membership Dues ($3 per person) can be paid to Gerald Speicher. Gerald will be in the Library, every Sunday, before and after Sunday School.

The Annual Christmas Luncheon will take place at The Inn at Reading on Tuesday, December 11. The Luncheon begins at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person. The deadline to purchase tickets is Sunday, December 2. For tickets please see Mary Jane Hoffman.

Our final trip for 2018 will take place on Friday, December 14 when we travel to Hunterdon Hills to see their Christmas Show, “A Playhouse Christmas.”

Trip sign-ups will take place on Thursday, January 3. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. and sign-ups begin at 8:30.

Luncheon tickets for Tuesday, January 15, can be purchased from Pat Berger. Cost is $5 per person. The meeting begins at 11:30, lunch is served at Noon and there will be Cash Bingo instead of entertainment at 1:00.
Please check your Brochures for the list of items to bring for the Alsace Social Ministry Pantry!

Gift certificates can be purchased throughout the year from Irene Stoudt. You may call her at 610-929-8275.

Souper Bowl Sunday
January 27, 2019
This annual event raises money for local food pantries and soup kitchens. Please bring an extra dollar or two with you and drop it off in the soup kettles as you leave worship. All donations will be given to Alsace Soup Kitchen and the Muhlenberg Churches Food Pantry.

2018 Sunday School Christmas Program
“The M & M Christmas Story”
Sunday, December 16, 9:30 a.m.
(snow date – December 23)
Bertha Weber Room
Presented by the children and youth of the Sunday School
Invite your friends and family members
Refreshments served following the Program

Supper Club
Check out the enclosed flyer to vote for 2019

Wednesday Bible Study
The Wednesday Bible Study does not meet in December. It will resume on January 9, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at the church. We continue our study, “Getting to the Heart of God’s Story.” Here is the schedule for January:

January 9 Session 19: The Return Home
Ezra 1-6; Haggai 1-2; Zechariah 1, 8

January 16 Session 20: The Queen of Beauty and Courage
Esther 1-9

January 23 Session 21: Rebuilding the Walls
Ezra 7; Nehemiah 1-2, 4, 6-8; Malachi 1-4

January 30 Session 22: The Birth of the King
Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2; John 1

February 6 Session 23: Jesus’ Ministry Begins
Matthew 3-4, 11; Mark 1-3; Luke 8; John 1-4

Winterfest
Sunday, January 27, 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Supper is served at 5:00
EVERYONE IS INVITED!
Bring your favorite board games or card games, and something to share for the Supper. Please sign up on the sheet posted on the bulletin board outside the church office, and indicate what you will bring for the supper.

COMMUNITY
Opus One
Masterwork Chorus: Vaughan Williams’ Hodie
Sunday, December 9 at 4:00 p.m.
St. John Baptist de la Salle, Shillington
Collaboration with Berks Youth Chorus
All singers from the community are welcome to participate

ECHO: A New Creation
Sunday, January 27 at 2:00 p.m.
Jesuit Center, Wernersville

COMMUNITY, cont.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Stoudts Ferry Bridge & Tuckerton Road
You are invited to an evening with
Jeffrey Krick, Jr.
the award-winning Elvis tribute artist
to benefit children of pediatric cancer
Saturday, February 9, 2019
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
$10 per person prior to the show
$12 per person at the door
Presented by Good Shepherd Youth Ministry

Reading High School
The following items are for the Reading High School and the Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (ECYEH). Their goal is to provide a resource room that will be available to students. This room will offer provisions to fulfill their basic needs such as food, hygiene products and school supplies. If you are able to donate any of the following items, please place them in the Chapel foyer. Thank you!

Hygiene Products: shampoo/conditioner; deodorant; toothbrush and toothpaste; liquid bath soap;
feminine hygiene products; hairbrushes; make-up
School Supplies: binders and folders; pens and pencils; spiral ring notebooks; backpacks
Baby Supplies: baby food; formula; diapers; wipes; baby clothes
Food: granola bars; Nutra grain bars; non-perishables; bottled water; ready to eat food; holiday meals
Miscellaneous: towels; clothing detergent; camping mats; pillows; Gift Cards for grocery stores, clothing stores and fast food; BARTA bus passes; barber shop; Goodwill gift cards for interview clothing; monetary donations made payable to RHS Knight Closet.

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THE WONDER OF CHRISTMAS
-Ron Berris

The Almighty became an infant,
The Shepherd became a lamb,
The Judge took our sentence,
The Lord became a man,
The Invisible became visible
The Eternal stepped into history
To make His own again.

YOUTH PAGE
Birthdays
Logan Rea – 12/2 Gabriel Sharp – 1/1
Chase Wunsch – 12/2 Sydney Hartman – 1/8
Hunter Fake – 12/3 Kyla Bailey – 1/12
Aiden Gehret – 12/7 Kaylie Moll – 1/13
Kyle Seiz – 12/8 Daegn Gehris – 1/15
Chelsea Lewis – 12/11 Tyrus Kauffman – 1/15
Felicia Phillips – 12/17 Jaden Kelly – 1/17
Shay Dobson – 12/22 Austin Swartley – 1/17
Jayda Garwood – 12/23 Julian Sharp – 1/23
Evan Dobson – 12/24 Angelina Garwood – 1/24
Malachi Kauffman – 1/25

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Remember to sign up for all events on the sheets posted on the bulletin board outside the church office, or by responding to the Facebook Page.

Thursday, November 29 – Decorate the church for Christmas, 6:30 p.m.
Come and help. Parents and siblings are welcome to help.

Saturday, December 8 – Journey to Bethlehem at Woodcrest Retreat
If you haven’t signed up, do so by December 2

Friday, December 14 – Advent Sleepover with Babysitting
Arrive by 5:30 p.m. (eat dinner before coming to church).
Babysitting is from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Bring cookie dough to make Christmas Cookies after the children leave.

Friday, December 21 – Midnight Gladness at Shady Maple
Leaving the church parking lot at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $13, paid by Dec. 16

Sunday, January 6 – Undecorate the church
12 Noon, following 10:45 worship.
The more help we have, the less time it will take.

Saturday, January 12 – Bowling at Berks Lanes (snow date is January 19)
Meet at the church by 7:00 p.m.
Bowling is from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
After bowling, we will go to Applebees for their ½ price appetizers
Cost is $15 which includes bowling and Applebees!

Continued on next page

Sunday, January 27 – Souper Bowl Sunday
Volunteers are needed to hold soup kettles for people to make contributions for the food
pantry and soup kitchen. See Pastor Nelson

Sunday, January 27 – Winterfest
Bring your favorite card/board games and something to share for supper. See Cindy or
Pastor Nelson for food ideas.

Friday, February 1 – Sunday, February 3 – Winter Retreat at Camp Swatara
Theme: “Precious Promises”
See the registration form and register by January 20.

Upcoming Dates & Events – Mark your calendars and plan to attend!
February 24 – Painting Party & Reading Royals Hockey Game
March 10 – Laser Quest
March 24 – Painting
Fri.-Sun., March 29-31 – Youth Congress in Ocean City, MD
Sunday, April 7 – Stuff Eggs and Pack Up “Blessing Bags”
Saturday, April 13 – Easter Egg Hunt; Lunch at The Works
Saturday, May 11 – Trip and Hike at Bushkill Falls
Saturday, May 25 – Yard Sale
Saturday, June 1 – Breakfast at Shady Maple, Shopping for Quilt
Thurs.-Sun., June 20-23 – Shore Trip to Ocean City, NJ
Fri., Sat., Sun., July 12-15 – Peach Festival
Sun.-Fri., August 4-9 – Church Camp
Saturday, August 24 – Pool Party & Picnic at Woodcrest Retreat

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
December 1 – Barbara Kutz
December 2 – George Bare, Logan Rae, Chase Wunsch
December 3 – Evelyn Cooper, Tyler Reed, Ryan Hoover
December 4 – Ava Endy, Lance Robertson, Jr.
December 5 – Joan Houser, Arlene Klopp, Jaylianni Ortiz, Jalianni Ortiz, Donald Shade
December 6 – Lyn Yeager
December 7 – Kevin Batz, Matthew Smith
December 8 – Kyle Seiz, Michael Selig

December 10 – Hunter Engle
December 11 – Cannon Youndt
December 12 – Lotus Fegley, Cate Kennedy, Lois Vedock
December 14 – Shirley Dautrich
December 15 – Mena Cervola, Thomas Cervola

December 16 – Justin Fake, Ronald Redcay
December 17 – Raymond Neuheimer
December 18 – Suzanne Lesagonicz
December 20 – Kimberly Mentzer
December 21 – Brandon Rothermel
December 22 – Shay Dobson

December 24 – Carol Drobnick, Marion Henry
December 25 – Owen Bieber, Carol Fair, Diane Schlegel
December 26 – Nancy Drexler
December 27 – Marilyn Stalnecker
December 29 – Chase Homan

January Birthdays
January 1 – Gabriel Sharp
January 2 – Jessica Bailey, Jean Beaver, Andrea Bitler
January 5 – Nancy Gehret

January 6 – Crew Wasilewski
January 7 – Arianna Alexander, John Beil, Barry Leisey, Doris Whitman
January 8 – Robert Gehman
January 9 – Gerald Amole, Julie Tryon
January 11 – Cameron Mengel
January 12 – Kyla Bailey

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS, cont.
January 13 – Kaylie Moll
January 16 – Betty Fryer, Sandy Orwig
January 17 – Andrew Kauffman, Jaden Kelly, Isabella Lugo, Joshua Ravel
January 18 – Debra Brickel, Sonia Janke
January 19 – Joyce Blimline, Patricia Dato, Rose Gruber, Brayden Stricker, Kimberly Wunsch

January 20 – Doris Yerger
January 21 – Sean Livingood, JanaLance Robertson, Mason Stricker
January 22 – Nancy East
January 23 – Tiffany Puwalski, Julian Sharp
January 24 – Saraiah Castro, Colby Stricker
January 25 – Marie Fetter
January 26 – Mary Pachuilo

January 27 – June Kurzweg, Ethan Miller, Ruth Sweitzer
January 29 – Donald Cameron, Kenneth Dietz, Levi Persad, Shirley Scornavacchi, Wayne Young
January 30 – Denise Keller, Debra Redcay, Ryan Stricker
January 31 – Patrick Grinage, June Seibert
January 30 – Denise Keller, Debra Redcay
January 31 – Patrick Grinage

DECEMBER ACTIVITIES
Sunday, December 2 Communion Service, 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
Junior Choir, 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.
Youth Choir, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 4 Senior Club Board Meeting, 9:00 a.m.
Men’s Choir, 10:00 a.m.
Senior Choir, 10:30 a.m.
Alsace Ringers, 7:00 p.m.
Reunion Choir, 8:15 p.m.

Wednesday, December 5 Supper Club at P.J. Wheilihan’s, 6;00 p.m.

Saturday, December 8 Journey to Bethlehem at Woodcrest Retreat, 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 9 Worship, 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
Junior Choir, 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.
Youth Choir, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 11 Senior Club Luncheon, 12:30 p.m.
Alsace Ringers, 7:00 p.m.
Reunion Choir, 8:15 p.m.

Wednesday, December 12 Church Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

Friday, December 14 Senior Club to Hunterdon Hills, 9:15 a.m.
FREE Babysitting, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Youth Group Advent Sleepover, 8:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Sunday, December 16 Worship, 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
Junior Choir, 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School Christmas Program, 9:30 a.m.
Youth Choir, 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 19 Soup Kitchen, 4:40 p.m.

Friday, December 21 Midnight Gladness at Shady Maple, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 22 RBCC Christmas Church Tour, 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.

DECEMBER ACTIVIES, cont.
Sunday, December 23 Worship, 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
Sunday School, 9:30 a.m. (Snow Date for Program)

Monday, December 24 Christmas Eve Family Service, 5:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Traditional Candlelight Service, 11:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 25 Office Closed

Sunday, December 30 Worship, 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.

JANUARY ACTIVITIES
Tuesday, January 1 Office Closed

Thursday, January 3 Senior Club Trip Sign-ups, 8:30 a.m.

Sunday, January 6 Communion Service, 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
Junior Choir, 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School & Confirmation, 9:30 a.m.
Youth take down Christmas decorations, Noon
Youth Choir, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, January 8 Senior Club Board Meeting, 9:00 a.m.
Men’s Choir, 10:00 a.m.
Senior Choir, 10:30 a.m.
Alsace Ringers, 7:00 p.m.
Reunion Choir, 8:15 p.m.

Wednesday, January 9 Bible Study, 1:30 p.m.
Church Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 12 Youth to Berks Lanes & Applebee’s, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 13 Worship, 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
Junior Choir, 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School & Confirmation, 9:30 a.m.
Youth Choir, 6:00 p.m.

JANUARY ACTIVITIES, cont.
Tuesday, January 15 Men’s Choir, 10:00 a.m.
Senior Choir, 10:30 a.m.
Senior Club Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.
Alsace Ringers, 7:00 p.m.
Reunion Choir, 8:15 p.m.

Wednesday, January 16 Bible Study, 1:30 p.m.
Soup Kitchen, 5:00 p.m.

Friday, January 18 Messenger Article Deadline

Saturday, January 19 Snow Date for Berks Lanes

Sunday, January 20 Worship, 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
Junior Choir, 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School & Confirmation, 9:30 a.m.
Youth Choir, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, January 22 Men’s Choir, 10:00 a.m.
Senior Choir, 10:30 a.m.
Alsace Ringers, 7:00 p.m.
Reunion Choir, 8:15 p.m.

Wednesday, January 23 Bible Study, 1:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 27 Worship, 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
Junior Choir, 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School & Confirmation, 9:30 a.m.
Winterfest, 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, January 29 Messenger Mailers, 8:00 a.m.
Men’s Choir, 10:00 a.m.
Senior Choir, 10:30 a.m.
Alsace Ringers, 7:00 p.m.
Reunion Choir, 8:15 p.m.

Wednesday, January 30 Bible Study, 1:30 p.m.

30 Oct 2018

November 2018 Messengers

Posted by Cynthia Speicher, With 0 Comments, Category: Announcements,

THE MESSENGER
ALSACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
E-mail: alsacelutheran@verizon.net
Web: www.alsacelutheranchurch.org
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/alsacelutheran
2201 Kutztown Road, Reading, PA 19605
Phone: 610-929-8727
Fax: 610-929-5397
Morning Worship: 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
8:15 Service Broadcast live over 1340AM
Streamed on the Internet at www.iheart.com
Sunday School for all ages – 9:30 a.m.

“Church on the Hill, Standing on the Word”
November, 2018

MY EVERYDAY THANKSGIVING
-Ardis Rittenhouse

The morning sun that awakens me
Makes me thankful that I can see.
Loved ones voices each so dear
Make me thankful I can hear.
Health and strength that get me through
Make me thankful for what I can do,
Faith that does not let me stray
Makes me thankful for each day.
A mind that reasons and is fair
Makes me thankful that I care.
A heart that accepts help from above
Makes me thankful for God’s love.

CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Richard A. Nelson, Pastor
Rev. Mark E. Brophy, Pastor Emeritus
Mr. David Rutt, Music Director
Mrs. Nina Rowley, Organist
Miss Cynthia Speicher, Secretary
Mr. William Reber, Jr., Sexton

CHURCH OFFICERS
Mrs. Sherri Mengel, Sunday School Superintendent
Mrs. Barbara Coller, Council Secretary
Ms. Carol Kunsman, Envelope Secretary
Mr. D. Richard Wieder, Treasurer

Council Members/Term Expires
Shelly Deeds End of 2020
John Funk End of 2020
Kimberly Grinage – President End of 2019
Peggy Harter End of 2020
Jeffrey Klinger – Vice President End of 2019
Payton Mentzer End of 2020
Donald Moll End of 2018
Mary Pachuilo End of 2019
Evelyn Sheetz End of 2018
Gerald Speicher End of 2018

Excerpts from the Constitution of Alsace Lutheran Church
(Approved 11/17/2006)

“The powers of this congregation are vested in the Annual Meeting called and conducted as provided for in this constitution.” (Article 5, S5.02.)

“The annual meeting of this congregation shall be held at a time specified by the Church Council.” (Article 10, S10.01.)

“The congregation is authorized to: a. call a pastor; b. terminate the call of a pastor; c approve the annual budget; d. acquire real and personal property by gift, devise, purchase, or other lawful means; e. hold title to and use the property for any and all activities consistent with its purpose;
f. sell, mortgage, lease, transfer, or otherwise dispose of its property by any lawful means;
g. elect its Church Council and require it to carry out its duties in accordance with this constitution;
h. terminate its relationship with the AFLC.” (Article 5, S5.03; highlighting is added)

“VOTING members are confirmed members who shall have communed on the record at least once within the previous twelve-month period. Only VOTING members shall have a voice and vote at any annual or special congregational meeting …” (Article 8, S8.02.c)

The annual congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, November 18, immediately following the 10:45 a.m. worship service, approximately 11:30 a.m. Agenda items include: election of Church Council members; adoption of the 2019 Budget; a presentation on a proposed digital sign; other reports. Following the meeting, a catered luncheon will be served in the Bertha Weber room.

All active, voting members should plan to attend! Come and support the ministry of your church! Come and let your voice be heard! Come for the fellowship! Come for the food! Come and fulfill your duty as a member of Alsace Lutheran Church!

Together in Ministry,
Pastor Richard A. Nelson

Baptism
Jaiden Lee Plylaharn – son of Jason & Yanaira Plylaharn

Funerals
Mark Hartman
Sandra Shultz

New Volunteers are needed to work the sound system and radio transmission during our Sunday morning worship services. Anyone interested please speak to Lee Strause. Training will be provided.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Every Sunday at 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
(The liturgical color for each Sunday is listed in parenthesis)

November 4 (white) – All Saints’ Sunday; Holy Communion; Commemoration of Faithful Departed
November 11 (green) 25th Sunday after Pentecost; Veterans Day Observance
November 18 (green) – 26th Sunday after Pentecost
November 21 (Wed.) – Thanksgiving Eve Worship at Grace (Alsace) U.C.C., 7:00 p.m.
November 25 (white) – Christ the King Sunday
December 2 (blue) – 1st Sunday of Advent; Sacrament of Holy Communion
December 9 (blue) – 2nd Sunday of Advent

The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated on November 4 and December 2. Watch for the 2019 Schedule of Holy Communion in the next issue of “The Messenger.”

Sharing the Ministry of Alsace
Be sure to tell others about the ministry of Alsace:
It is a welcoming and friendly congregation. There is always inspiration and hope, not to mention good food! The people of Alsace have a sense of purpose and mission of serving others. Alsace centers its congregational life on the grace of God, which is for all people. Start spreading the news; that is, the “Good News” of God’s love and the ministry and mission of Alsace.

Notice of Annual Congregational Meeting
The Annual Congregational Meeting of Alsace Lutheran Church will be held on Sunday,
November 18, immediately following the 10:45 a.m. worship service (approximately 11:30 a.m.)
Agenda includes: presentation of reports; election of members to Church Council; and the adoption of the 2019 Budget. All active, voting members of the church should attend. A catered luncheon will be served in the Bertha Weber Room following the Meeting.

Hearing Devices
Wireless hearing devices are available to those who need or desire them for our worship services. They may be obtained by seeing Lee Strause on a Sunday morning.

Hospital Admissions
Please inform the church office when a member is hospitalized or admitted to a health care facility, including room numbers. Due to the HIPPA laws, information about hospital and health care facility admissions is limited and often restricted. Without your help, we cannot track and follow up with visits and prayers.

How to Become a Member of Alsace Lutheran Church
Speak to Pastor Nelson if you are interested in membership, or know someone who might be!

If you are already a member of a Lutheran Church –
Simply call the church office (610-929-8727), give the secretary the name of your previous church, and we will request a Letter of Transfer.

If you are a member of another Christian Church –
Simply contact the Pastor, and you will be invited to a New Member class, after which you will join Alsace by Affirmation of Faith.

Muhlenberg Churches Food Pantry
NEW: In addition to the items listed below, the Pantry is also looking for plastic grocery bags for the distribution. Bags can be put in the same box with the other items. Donations of the following items are most needed, as these items are not readily available from the Food Bank: toilet paper; paper towels; bath soap; laundry detergent; fabric softener; Kleenex; shampoo; toothpaste. Bring any donations to church and place them in the box marked “Muhlenberg Churches Food Pantry.” Thank you for your continued support of the MCFP!

The MCFP is looking for some new volunteers who can help with the distribution, which is the third Thursday of every month. Help is especially needed from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. to help the clients bring their food to their cars. For more information or to volunteer, please speak to Pastor Nelson.

Senior Club
2019 Membership Dues ($3 per person) can be paid to Gerald Speicher. Gerald will be sitting in the Library, every Sunday, before and after Sunday School.

The Annual Christmas Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, December 11, at The Ann at Reading. The Luncheon begins at 12:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per person. For tickets, please see Mary Jane Hoffman.

Friday, December 14 – Hunterdon Hills Playhouse to see “A Playhouse Christmas.”

Gift certificates can be purchased throughout the year from Irene Stoudt. You may call her at 610-929-8275.

Social Ministry
Well, it’s that time again. We’ve been contacted by the Salvation Army to remind us of the Angel Tree Program, and to see how many tags we’ll be needing for on our tree this year. We’ve ordered them and they should be available sometime around Thanksgiving Day. We should have plenty of time to pick a needy child or senior, purchase a gift and get it back to the church by their deadline (which we’re not aware of yet).

They always do an outstanding job with their Christmas projects, and hopefully this year will be no different. Last year they provided 20,003 gifts to children and seniors throughout Berks County! What a fantastic way to teach, or remind them of the greatest gift of all – the gift of Jesus Christ! Let us help once again, to get that point across.

Details to follow.

Scrip Gift Cards
The Youth Group will be ordering gift cards for Christmas. Lists of businesses participating can be found on the windowsills in the church. If there is something you are looking for that is not on the list, please call the church office to see if they have been added on the website. The deadline to place your order, with payment, is Sunday, December 2.

Supper Club
The entire bill will be on ONE CHECK, and there will be NO COUPONS allowed. If you are paying by check, please make the check payable to Alsace Youth Group. Please do not fill the amount on the check until you get to the restaurant. Prices and food choices are subject to change. Because of the large number of people attending, the restaurant adds a 20% tip to the bill. Please figure that into your total. We will meet at the restaurant at 6:00 p.m. If anyone needs a ride please call the church office by the Monday of the Supper. Our last Supper Club will be on December 5 – P.J. Wheilihan’s

Vendor Fair
The Youth Group will be hosting a Holiday Vendor Fair on Saturday, November 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Turkey BBQ, Hots Dogs, Snacks, Baked Goods and Bottled Water will be available for purchase. Participating Vendors are: Avon, Crafts by WCA (Josh Weidner),
Laura’s Embroidery and Sewing, Mary Kay, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Paparazzi Jewelry,
Pink Zebra, Sherry’s Hodge Podge, Tastefully Simple, Tupperware, and Thirty-One.

Wednesday Bible Study
The Wednesday Bible Study meets every Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the church. We continue our study, “Getting to the Heart of God’s Story.” Here is the schedule for November:
November 7 Session 17: The Kingdoms’ Fall
2 Kings 21, 23-25; 2 Chronicles 33, 36; Jeremiah 1-2, 4-5, 13, 21;
Lamentations 1-3; Ezekiel 1-2, 6-7, 36-37

November 14 Session 18: Daniel in Exile
Daniel 1-3, 6; Jeremiah 29-31

Note: There will be no Bible Study on November 21 & 28, and none in December.
It will resume on January 9, 2019.

Community Events
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Stoudts Ferry Bridge Road, Reading
Good Shepherd will be holding their annual Pumpkin Festival on Sunday, November 4 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Food with baked goods (noon-5:30); Children’s Carnival, Face Painting, Bounce House and an Obstacle Course Play Land (1:00-4:00); Free Live Entertainment, Home Vendors (noon-5:00); Chinese Auction and Hayrides (1:00-5:00). Entertainment Schedule:
12:30 to 1:45 – David Cullen
2:00 to 2:45 – The Pretzel City Chorus
3:00 to 5:00 – Award Winning Elvis Tribute Artist, Jeffrey Krick, Jr.
5:30 to 6:30 – Charlie Adams

Muhlenberg Library
A Very Frozen Holiday Party & Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 8th 11:00AM to 2:00PM
Join them for a special holiday party with music, snacks, crafts, stories and so much more. Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and maybe even Olaf will stop by for an hour-long visit at approximately 11:00.

Muhlenberg Middle School, Bellevue Avenue, Laureldale
The Middle School presents “Disney Peter Pan, Jr.” on Friday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 17 at 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. Pre-Purchase tickets at www.mmsmusical.muhlsdk12.net. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. Free Show for Senior Citizens on Thursday, November 15 at 4:00 p.m.

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Reading High School
We will continue collecting the following items for the Reading High School and the Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (ECYEH). Their goal is to provide a resource room that will be available to students. This room will offer provisions to fulfill their basic needs such as food, hygiene products and school supplies. If you are able to donate any of the

Community Events, cont.
Reading High School, cont.
following items, please place them in the Chapel foyer. Thank you!

Hygiene Products: shampoo/conditioner; deodorant; toothbrush and toothpaste; liquid bath soap;
feminine hygiene products; hairbrushes; make-up
School Supplies: binders and folders; pens and pencils; spiral ring notebooks; backpacks
Baby Supplies: baby food; formula;
diapers; wipes; baby clothes
Food: granola bars; Nutra grain bars; non-perishables; bottled water; ready to eat food; holiday meals
Miscellaneous: towels; clothing detergent; camping mats; pillows; Gift Cards for grocery stores, clothing stores and fast food; BARTA bus passes; barber shop; Goodwill gift cards for interview clothing; monetary donations made payable to RHS Knight Closet.

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For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

The First Thanksgiving
-Arthur Guiterman

So once
in every year
we throng
Upon a day apart,
To praise the Lord
with feast and song
In thankfulness
of heart.

If the only prayer you said in your life was, “thank you,”
that would suffice.

-Meister Eckhart

Dates for Your Calendar:
Sunday, December 2 – Communion Service, 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
Tuesday, December 4 – Senior Club Board Meeting, 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 5 – Supper Club at P.J. Wheilihan’s, 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 8 – Journey to Bethlehem at Woodcrest Retreat in Ephrata, 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 11 – Senior Club Luncheon, 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 12 – Church Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 14 – Senior Club to Hunterdon Hills, 9:15 a.m.
Friday, December 14 – Free Babysitting, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Friday, December 14 – Youth Group Advent Sleepover, 8:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Sunday, December 16 – Greater Reading Encore Chorale Concert, 3:00 p.m.
Friday, December 21 – Youth Group to Shady Maple Midnight Gladness, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, December 24 – Christmas Eve Family Service, 5:00 p.m.
Monday, December 24 – Christmas Eve Traditional Candlelight Service, 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, December 25 – Office Closed

Tuesday, January 1 – Office Closed
Thursday, January 3 – Senior Club Trip Sign-ups, 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, January 8 – Senior Club Board Meeting, 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, January 9 – Bible Study, 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 15 – Senior Club Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, January 16 – Bible Study, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 16 – Soup Kitchen, 4:40 p.m.
Friday, January 18 – Messenger Article Deadline
Wednesday, January 23 – Bible Study, 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 27 – Winterfest, 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 29 – Messenger Mailers, 8:00 a.m.
Wednesday, January 30 – Bible Study, 1:30 p.m.

Friday, February 1 to Sunday, February 3 – Youth Group Winter Retreat
Tuesday, February 5 – Senior Club Board Meeting, 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, February 6 – Bible Study, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 13 – Bible Study, 1:30 p.m.
Friday, February 15 – Messenger Article Deadline
Wednesday, February 20 – Bible Study, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 20 – Soup Kitchen, 4:40 p.m.
Sunday, February 24 – Youth Lunch and Painting, Noon
Sunday, February 24 – Reading Royals Hockey Game, 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 26 – Messenger Mailers, 8:00 a.m.
Wednesday, February 27 – Bible Study, 1:30 p.m.

YOUTH PAGE
Birthdays
Amanda Hoover – 11/3
Emily Keller – 11/4
Rachel Reinhard – 11/9
Cameron Shoumlisky – 11/9
MarissaJo Scheck – 11/13
Timothy Yanick – 11/14
Samuel Sharp – 11/16

Traci Frymoyer – 11/28

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Remember to sign up for all events on the sheets posted on the bulletin board outside the church office, or by responding to the Facebook Page.

Sunday, November 4 – Lunch, Movie and Discussion
At 12 Noon, we are having sandwiches for lunch – plate your order on the sign up sheet.
We will watch the movie, “I Can Only Imagine.”

Saturday, November 10 – Holiday Vendor Fair, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Help is needed to set up, serve food, and clean up!

Thursday, November 29 – Decorate the church for Christmas, 6:30 p.m.
Come and help. Parents and siblings are welcome to help.

Upcoming Dates & Events – Mark your calendars and plan to attend!
• Saturday, December 8 – Journey to Bethlehem at Woodcrest Retreat
• Friday, December 14 – Advent Sleepover, with babysitting; making cookies
• Sunday, December 16 – Sunday School Christmas Program
• Friday, December 21 – Midnight Gladness at Shady Maple
• Sunday, January 6 – Undecorate the church
• Saturday, January 12 – TBA
• Sunday, January 27 – Souper Bowl Sunday; Winterfest
• Fri.-Sun., February 1-3 – Winter Retreat at Camp Swatara
• Sunday, February 24 – Painting Party & Reading Royals Hockey Game
• Sunday, March 10 – Laser Quest
• Fri.-Sun., March 29-31 – Youth Congress in Ocean City, MD

Continued on next page…

• Sunday, April 7 – Stuff Eggs and Pack Up “Blessing Bags”
Deposit due for Shore Trip to Ocean City, NJ
• Saturday, April 13 – Easter Egg Hunt; Lunch at The Works
• Saturday, May 11 – Trip and Hike at Bushkill Falls
• Saturday, May 25 – Yard Sale
• Saturday, June 1 – Breakfast at Shady Maple, Shopping for Quilt
• Thurs.-Sun., June 20-23 – Shore Trip to Ocean City, NJ
• Fri., Sat., Sun., July 12-14 – Peach Festival
• Sun.-Fri., August 4-9 – Church Camp
• Saturday, August 24 – Pool Party & Picnic at Woodcrest Retreat

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
November 1 Lindsey Gantert
November 2 Mark Gilbert
November 3 Amanda Hoover, Gail Manderbach

November 4 Emily Keller
November 5 Jane Weidenheimer
November 6 Harvey Bittler, Jr., Nancy Cox, Stephanie Jefferson, Mia Lopez
November 7 Richard Bailey, Jr., Angel Santiago
November 8 Arlene Ditizio, Carl Eschelman, G. Manwiller, Paul Rittenhouse, Jr.
November 9 Rachel Reinhard, Cameron Shoumlisky

November 11 Elmer Schuler
November 12 Roger Baer, Brenda Meyers
November 14 Patricia Lentz, Berenice McGavin, Joan Tait
November 16 John A. Funk, Joan Hassler, Yvonne Ravel, Samuel Sharp
November 17 Jaiden Plylaharn

November 18 Gavin Cole, Richard Waldbiesser
November 20 Rodney Miller, Thomas Raifsnider
November 21 Gloria Scheirer
November 22 Lydia Smith, Amy Stalnecker

November 25 Brian Doerrman, Arthur Thomas, Jr.
November 26 Geraldine Kennedy, Ruth McCann, Mary Scholz
November 27 Barbara Coller, Eleanor Wagner
November 28 Traci Frymoyer
November 29 D. Richard Wieder
November 30 Emma Eppihimer, Joslynn Roderick

NOVEMBER ACTIVITIES
Sunday, November 4 Holy Communion, 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
Junior Choir, 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School & Confirmation, 9:30 a.m.
Youth Lunch, Movie & Discussion, 12 Noon
Youth Choir, 6:00 p.m.

Monday, November 5 Senior Club Board Meeting, 9:00 a.m.

Tuesday, November 6 Men’s Choir, 10:00 a.m.
Senior Choir, 10:30 a.m.
Alsace Ringers, 7:00 p.m.
Reunion Choir, 8:15 a.m.
Wednesday, November 7 Senior Club Trip, 7:00 a.m.
Bible Study, 1:30 p.m.
Supper Club, 6:00 p.m. at Hoss’s

Saturday, November 10 Holiday Vendor Fair, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 11 Worship Service, 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
Junior Choir, 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School & Confirmation, 9:30 a.m.
Youth Choir, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 13 Men’s Choir, 10:00 a.m.
Senior Choir, 10:30 a.m.
Alsace Ringers, 7:00 p.m.
Reunion Choir, 8:15 p.m.

Wednesday, November 14 Bible Study, 1:30 p.m.
Church Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

Friday, November 16 Messenger Article Deadline

Sunday, November 18 Worship, 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
Junior Choir, 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School & Confirmation, 9:30 a.m.
Youth Choir, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 20 Men’s Choir, 10:00 a.m.
Senior Choir, 10:30 a.m.
Alsace Ringers, 7:00 p.m.
Reunion Choir, 8:15 p.m.

Wednesday, November 21 Thanksgiving Eve Service at Grace (Alsace) UCC, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 22 Thanksgiving – Office Closed

Sunday, November 25 Worship, 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.
Junior Choir, 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.
Youth Choir, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 27 Messenger Mailers, 8:00 a.m.
Men’s Choir, 10:00 a.m.
Senior Choir, 10:30 a.m.
Alsace Ringers, 7:00 p.m.
Reunion Choir, 8:15 p.m.

Thursday, November 29 Youth decorate church for Christmas, 6:30 p.m.

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